Breakfast Bowls

IBbreakfastbowlsWhile I’m no stranger to fancy açaí or blended fruit bowls, I never used to put any effort into the bowls I make at home until recently. Honolulu’s açaí bowls are pretty, but expensive, clocking in at $10 and up and if you’re lucky, your granola will still be super crunchy.

I’ve been trying to replicate what I see on Pinterest and it’s quite fun. The ingredients I’ve used for this bowl are spirulina powder, plain greek yogurt, raw chia, grain-free granola, frozen bananas and strawberries (I’ve frozen them myself), a bit of blueberries, macnut milk (I buy the Milkadamia brand, unsweetened plain) and a bit of cara cara orange. I think it’s best to use whatever is in season so you don’t get tired of them.

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Because these bowls contain a ton of sugar, I try not to eat these as much. However, when I do get to enjoy them, I’ll savor every bite. Once in a while, I’ll sneak in a dollop of almond butter to make it a bit creamier.

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When I do feel like buying an acai bowl or a blended fruit bowl, there are three places I’ll go to on Oahu:

Well + Proper

Not the most accessible, but if you follow her on Instagram @well_n_proper, she’ll let her customers know when she’s in. I set a notification for her posts. Her macnut butter is amazing and her acai isn’t so sweet. I love it. She also sells fresh squeezed juices and elixirs.

Jewel or Juice

If I want really good, fresh and crunchy granola, this is the place to go! They make their own granola and sell it on the side if you want to take some home. Their bowls are consistent and very good.

Banán

This place has been around for a while. I used to go to their small truck in Diamond Head to order their soft serve in a papaya with granola and macnut butter. Now they have a convenient location in the walkways of Kahala Mall. Their kiosk is well stocked and they usually have a line and a long wait. Still great, nonetheless.

 

Finding inner peace

photoHow did this summer fly by so fast?! I couldn’t catch it. Probably because I’m out of breath all the time. Well now is the right time to get back to breathing and finding inner peace and happiness. Namaste.

Just a “Pinch of Salt” and savor the broth

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Last night’s Honolulu Night Market at Kaka’ako event was pretty chill this time around. They must switch up the vendors each month to keep things fresh. Although there were less interesting food and pop-ups, the entertainment was awesome! There was some sort of drag show and The Deadbeats did their thang.

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Inside the Pinch of Salt pop-up marketplace, there was an eye-catching mural of Marilyn. “All great things are preceded with chaos.” Yes, I completely agree!

Then you had your usual glances of hipster heaven, like this typewriter, for example. It was part of Hound & Quail‘s display of vintage, mid-century items. They had some typewriters, polaroid cameras and pretty jars for sale. In the photo on the right, there was a little green shop Paiko, which had some plants, paintings and eco-friendly gift-wrapping paper for sale.

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Just outside the entrance of the night market, it looked like live artists were battling it out on the streets. The alcoholics and foodies took to the cocktail specials and the whole place was decked with ornaments and little Santas.

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Afterwards, my best friends and I decided the bacon wrapped hot dogs at the night market didn’t sound too appetizing so we scoured the town for a late night hot pot haven. My good friend Sue had told me about Sweet Home Cafe a while ago and I’ve been wanting to go ever since. Hot soup and veggies sounded perfect for a chilly night. So we ordered two tasty broths, cooked some enoki mushrooms, choy sum, tofu and meat. The service was entertaining and excellent.

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The grand finale was a complimentary dessert (another reason why I’ve fallen completely in love with this place). I have no idea what it’s called but it was some sort of shaved ice with coffee jello, watermelon jello, green stuff, white jello and tapioca.

It was a good night boys and girls.